We have some exciting news to share with our blog readers. The newest addition to CuriOdyssey’s education animal collection has arrived! A red fox recently completed the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s mandated 30-day quarantine period and has begun the process of adapting to her new home at CuriOdyssey.

The spirited little red fox was found as a four-week old pup in the San Joaquin River in Stanislaus County after the heavy rains earlier in the year. Because most red foxes in California are not native to the area, they cannot be released back into the wild. For that reason, she was transferred from the Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center to CuriOdyssey to live. She will be part of CuriOdyssey’s education animal collection, which means she will help foster learning in school and group education programs. She will not be on display to the general public.

This exciting news comes at the same time we announced our re-accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Every five years, CuriOdyssey undergoes a thorough investigation to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. The fox was able to be placed at CuriOdyssey because of the high standards the AZA accreditation denotes.

The fox joins more than 100 other mostly native, non-releasable animals in CuriOdyssey’s wildlife facilities. Her place in the education animal group is a significant one, and she’ll help school children and groups understand the robust animal life that is present all around us.

This photo of the fox was taken shortly after she arrived at CuriOdyssey. Here, she’s taking a little nap after some enthusiastic playtime.